THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 30, 1995 TAG: 9511290035
SECTION: FLAVOR PAGE: F1 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Morsels
SOURCE: Ruth Fantasia
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
``HOW COME I dreamt that Cate got a sugar cane and I didn't?'' asked my daughter, Melissa. She was still in bed, her hair tangled and her eyes half shut.
``I don't know.''
``Probably because you wouldn't buy me a sugar cane.''
My child's visions of sugar canes were fueled by a visit to the new Hannaford grocery store in Virginia Beach. Food shopping is a family affair in our house and a grand opening is a must-attend event.
The Hannaford parking lot, at Independence and Virginia Beach boulevards, was packed when we arrived, but the store appeared less than full. Maybe it's because Hannaford is such a big store. Or maybe it's because the aisles are wide enough to easily fit three grocery carts side-by-side. Whatever the reason, shopping was comfortable, even on opening day.
The produce department was a favorite. Its high ceilings and bright lights provide an airy environment for the usual fruits and vegetables and some unusual ones as well. The 6-foot sugar canes were a hit with children, and huge hubbard squash, tropical guavas and purple bell peppers were topics of conversation.
To the left of produce is the Meal Center, where you can pick up ready-to-cook appetizers, entrees and side dishes. Meal center coordinator Ken Bush says they'll prepare any item you'd like to taste before you buy.
The cheese, deli and grocery departments are ample, with brand names - such as Thurmans, Mayola and 3 Diamonds - not commonly found in Hampton Roads. Shop 'N Save and Hannaford are the two generic labels found on the shelves. Of the items we've tried - trash bags, pickles, canned cashews, milk and disposable razors - only the pickles were disappointing. The rest of the items were as good as their brand-name counterparts.
The seafood counter offers a variety of fish and shellfish, competitive prices and a friendly staff. But the meat department lacks the fancy display case and full service that some Hampton Roads shoppers are used to. The meat staff will cut items to customers' wishes - and the staff we met searched the back for an item absent from the case - but it's not apparent such services are available.
Dairy items, beer and frozen foods are stocked behind glass doors to keep the cold on the products and out of the aisles.
Blue and yellow signs in several areas announce ``Budget Values'' - family packed meats and other specially priced items.
The checkout lanes without candy are well-marked and there are two express lanes, one for seven items or less and one for 10 items or less. If no one's in line, the express lanes will take other customers, but ``no checks please.''
As with most new stores, prices were low and customer service was high during the opening. The challenge for store director Pete Bonneau and his team is to keep the prices and service that way. by CNB